TD Bank vs. Live Oak: Which small business loan lender is right for you?
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Key takeaways
- TD Bank and Live Oak both offer government-backed and commercial business loans
- Choose TD Bank for startup funding
- Choose Live Oak for SBA loans
TD Bank and Live Oak Bank are both attractive lenders to businesses searching for the perfect small business loan. TD Bank offers a variety of loan options, including term loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate and SBA loans. You get in-person locations and accessible requirements since TD Bank doesn’t set a time in business requirement for applying.
On the other hand, Live Oak Bank works well if you’re looking for a government-backed SBA loan. Live Oak Bank is one of the top SBA lenders available, and as an SBA Preferred Lender, you can get approved for an SBA loan weeks earlier than you might with other lenders. Let’s dive into the benefits of choosing TD Bank or Live Oak Bank to find the best small business loan for you.
TD Bank vs. Live Oak at a glance
TD Bank offers four business loan products that cater to startups and established firms with collateral. Live Oak offers three business loan products ideal for businesses seeking government-backed loans. Both lenders can provide significant borrowing amounts, but Live Oak borrowers can get up to $15 million and term lengths of up to 25 years.
| TD Bank | Live Oak Bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Bankrate Score | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Best for | Startups | SBA loans |
| Number of loan products | 4 | 3 |
| Loan amounts | $10,000 to $5 million | $150,000 to $15 million |
| Interest rates | Starting at 9.24% APR | 11.50% to 16.50% APR |
| Term lengths | 3 to 25 years | Up to 25 years |
| Personal credit score | Not stated | 650 |
| Minimum time in business | N/A | Not stated |
| Minimum business revenue | Not stated | Not stated |
TD Bank business loans
TD Bank offers a few different business loan options. It doesn’t impose a minimum time in business requirement, so its secured loans, lines of credit, mortgages and SBA loans are suitable for startups and established firms.
Online applications are available for loans under $250,000, but applications for higher amounts must be completed in person at a TD Bank branch. Choosing this lender can mean quick access to funds, and TD offers a rate discount for business account holders who set up auto-pay. That said, TD does charge origination fees and is only available in 15 states and Washington, D.C.
Pros
- Interest rate discount
- Rapid loan processing
- Loan amounts up to $5 million
Cons
- Loans over $250,000 require an in-person application
- Origination fee
- Limited availability
Live Oak business loans
Businesses interested in SBA loans, USDA loans or customizable commercial loans may find Live Oak Bank a suitable option. Loans range from $150,000 to $15 million, but Live Oak only works with fair-to-excellent-credit businesses operating in certain industries, so it’s not an option for all businesses.
Live Oak is best known for its SBA loans, including 7(a) and 504 loans, which typically offer longer repayment terms of up to 25 years and affordable rates, although Live Oak doesn’t advertise its rates.
Like other members of the SBA Preferred Lender Program, Live Oak can make credit decisions in-house, which expedites the loan approval process by up to four weeks. However, funding takes an average of 60 days for SBA loans.
Pros
- Available nationwide
- SBA Preferred Lender
- Loans up to $15 million
Cons
- Available to limited industries
- No option to prequalify online
- Lack of transparency with lending requirements
How to choose between TD Bank and Live Oak
When choosing a small business lender, take a look at TD Bank’s or Live Oak Bank’s eligibility requirements along with your qualifications and needs. TD Bank suits startups seeking less than $250,000 in funding, while Live Oak excels at SBA loans, which have favorable terms and rates.
Choose TD Bank for startup funding
Newer businesses hoping to secure financing stand a good chance of getting approved for a startup business loan with TD Bank. While most online and alternative lenders are open to approving businesses with a minimum of six months in operation, banks tend to be stricter, requiring a minimum of two years.
Despite the requirement of collateral for term loans and lines of credit, TD Bank has no minimum time in business requirements, making it accessible to startups and established businesses to use for various business purposes.
Choose Live Oak for SBA loans
Live Oak’s business loans stand out as the better option for businesses interested in SBA loans. As an SBA Preferred Lender, they can make in-house decisions, which accelerates loan processing and approval, typically shaving off three to four weeks.
Additionally, like other government-backed loans, SBA loans allow borrowers to enjoy extended repayment terms and lower interest, which isn’t always an option with non-SBA lenders.
Alternatives
If you’re not looking for a traditional bank or you need a lender with more relaxed eligibility requirements, you could go with online lenders like Fora Financial or QuickBridge. Many online lenders offer fast business loans with funding within one business day, giving you the funds you need to cover immediate expenses.
Fora Financial requires a minimum credit score of 500, at least six months in operation and $12,000 in monthly revenue or $144,000 annually. You can get a wide range of loan amounts from Fora Financial, ranging from $5,000 to $1.5 million. QuickBridge requires a minimum credit score of 660, at least six months in operation and $250,000 annually. QuickBridge specializes in short-term loans of up to 18 months for loan amounts under $500,000.
Not only do you want to consider different lenders, but also explore their lending options, including business credit cards or business lines of credit. Either option can be beneficial, providing a revolving business line of credit for daily business expenses while building and improving credit. As a bonus, some may offer rewards and cashback programs. However, keep in mind that business credit cards and lines of credit may offer lower credit limits than you’ll find with business loans.
Bottom line
Choosing between TD Bank and Live Oak for your business lending needs requires considering their strengths along with your business needs. TD Bank caters to startups, while Live Oak is best known for being an SBA Preferred Lender. Opting for the wrong lender can negatively impact your business’s growth and financial stability, so it is important to make the right decision.
Frequently asked questions
-
Yes, Live Oak is an SBA Preferred Lender, which means credit decisions are made in-house, resulting in faster approval of SBA loans.
-
TD Bank’s interest rates start at 9.24 percent APR, but they may vary based on the loan product, credit score and other lender requirements.
-
Due to the strict requirements for credit score, revenue and time in business imposed by banks, certain businesses may have a hard time getting approved for a business loan.
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